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Summer of Gratitude: Celebrating the Food Businesses That Give Back

August 31, 2026

Chefs Freddy Money & Chef Philip Tessier demonstrate cooking techniques at Open Hand Atlanta's Pay It Forward Dinner

During this summer of gratitude, our community partners found creative ways to support food service workers and give back to our industry.

From a cocktail fundraiser to a community celebration, a special popsicle to a dinner around the table, these partners turned the things they already do best into opportunities to spread Giving Kitchen’s mission, raise funds, share resources, and bring their communities together.

We’re grateful to everyone who made Giving Kitchen part of their summer. Here’s a look at how they did it — and inspiration for how your food business can get involved, too.

Flyer for the Bourdain Day celebration at Starland Yards in Savannah, GA

Celebrate With Purpose: Starland Yard’s Bourdain Day

On June 25, Starland Yard celebrated Bourdain Day in Savannah with food specials, themed cocktails, competition karaoke, culinary books, and plenty of community spirit. 

The celebration also created an opportunity to bring Giving Kitchen’s mission directly to the food service community through QPR suicide prevention training, equipping participants with the skills to recognize warning signs and support someone who may be struggling. 

Takeaway for food businesses: Your next event can be more than a celebration. Consider incorporating a Giving Kitchen training, resource, or mission moment to help your team and guests connect with the work happening behind the scenes to support food service workers. 

Simply Food Trucks and King Of Pops teamed up to create a

The Giving Pop

This summer, King of Pops and Simply Food Trucks celebrated their 10th anniversary with The Giving Pop, a special orange cream popsicle supporting Giving Kitchen. 

For every Giving Pop sold, $1 was donated to Giving Kitchen, turning a simple summer treat into an easy way for customers to give back. The Giving Pop was available at participating King of Pops locations and carts around the country. 

Takeaway for food businesses: A fundraiser doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider creating a signature dish, drink, dessert, or product and donating a portion of sales to Giving Kitchen. It’s an easy way to introduce your customers to our mission while making giving part of their experience. 

Chefs Freddy Money & Chef Philip Tessier demonstrate cooking techniques at Open Hand Atlanta's Pay It Forward Dinner

Pass It Forward Dinner

On July 8, Discover Atlanta brought guests together for the Pass It Forward Dinner, an exclusive culinary experience held in Open Hand’s Teaching Kitchen and benefiting both Giving Kitchen and Open Hand Atlanta. 

The evening demonstrated what happens when food, hospitality, and generosity come together: people gathered around a shared table while supporting organizations working to care for their communities. 

Takeaway for food businesses: Consider hosting a ticketed dinner, chef collaboration, tasting, or community gathering where a portion of proceeds supports Giving Kitchen. It’s a meaningful way to create an experience for your guests while giving back. 

Your Business Can Give Back, Too

There’s no single way to support food service workers. This summer’s partners showed us that giving back can look like a training, a menu item, a cocktail, a special event, or simply using your platform to spread the word. 

For restaurants and food businesses, these are more than fundraising opportunities. They’re opportunities to show gratitude, engage your customers, support your team, and help more people understand Giving Kitchen’s mission. 

We’re incredibly grateful to every partner who chose to give back this summer and help us make sure food service workers know they’re not alone. 

Want to bring Giving Kitchen into your next event, menu, or campaign? There’s always a way to get involved. 

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